Chapter 32
BPOV
My eyes popped open. Holy shit did Edward just call me his wife. My mind was racing. We both tended to mention marriage and we had touched on the topic several times, but he just said it like we were already married. I couldn't explain my feelings, even to myself, but something about the tone he used, it was…wistful…longing…adoring. I was having a hard time describing what his tone held. Was it all of them, none of them or a mixture of them, I couldn't decide but something alerted to me the fact that Edward wanted it happen in the near future. I believed this to be on hold until all the drama was sorted out. Granted we never even touched on a time frame but I was now positive Edward had no intention of waiting. I was calming down and had just closed my eyes when a generic therapist voice popped in my head.
"And how do you feel about that Bella?" Shit! My eyes popped open again. I looked over at a blissfully sleeping Edward with a scowl. Way to freak me out Edward. I reached over, turned the alarm off and went to get dressed. It didn't look as if I would be getting any more sleep tonight. I made my way down to the kitchen. Might as well get a head start on dinner, I was making enough to feed a small army.
I made pecan and pumpkin pies on auto pilot, not thinking just doing. It helped ease my mind. I chopped apples and thought about loving Edward. I do love Edward and want to marry him. I let my mind wander as I rolled out dough. I do want to marry Edward. When I look at any point in the future he is by my side. I love him. We don't have the type of relationship Edgar and I had, but I don't expect us too.
I feel on more even footing with Edward, like he respects me more as an adult. He didn't watch me grow up though, it is probably easier for him to see me only as an adult and equal. That one thing always irritated me, when Edgar would give me that smile that said he knew best. Fine if you know best then explain it to me. Don't give that smile that says it was because he was older and I should be a good girl and just go along. Nevertheless, I tended to just go along. If he hadn't died would I have continued to just go along or would I have begun to stand up for myself.
I put the pies in the oven and started peeling potatoes, letting my mind float again. Would Edgar and I still be married if I had insisted when I felt strongly about something? He didn't appear to really value my opinion or my thought processes until it became clear I would be the one running things. I would be responsible for the future of Sinclair. It suddenly became all about Bella and how her mind works. In my most honest of moments I could admit, to myself, that it still hurt to remember his surprise at how good I actually was at it. He had been with me through all my schooling. Did he think I did it out of fun? Because I had nothing better to do with my days?
Thoughts of marrying Edward were bringing to the surface memories of discord that I had buried deeply under the weight of my grief. I wasn't sure now was the best time to analyze them, but would it ever be a good time. Edward was proud of my education. He also thought I handled myself well and had several times commented that I sometimes picked up on things he didn't in certain business dealings. Granted I had certain experiences in business that he didn't and he didn't assume he knew best because he was older or a man. No, Edward had faith in me, faith I'm not sure Edgar ever had.
As I moved on to the sweet potatoes I realized it wasn't fair to compare the two men, they were completely different. But I wasn't comparing them directly. I was comparing my relationship with each of them, how they related to me and how we were with each other. It is natural to do that, right? I mean, I have only had two relationships so what else would I compare it too?
I moved the peeled potatoes aside and cleaned up the mess, ticking the things off in my mind that I had already thought about. I noticed the sky was starting to lighten and pulled out what I would need to make bread. As I mixed and kneaded I let my thoughts roll back to why I freaked when Edward murmured wife. What was I so worried about? I love him, hell I enjoyed being married. I loved being Mrs. Edgar Sinclair. My mind blanked for a moment. Is that what this about? Maybe it was.
Growing up I was Isabella Swan, only child, privately tutored, considered a prodigy by some, a freak by others and the only heir to the Swan Kingdom. When my parents died suddenly I also became the pitied Swan orphan. I could handle most emotions people gave me but pity, not one of them. I hated the looks of pity I received. I handled their insincere platitudes better than pity.
Then I was Isabella Swan Sinclair, wife of Edgar Sinclair. As Mrs. Edgar Sinclair, I was loathed by women, given lustful looks by dirty old men, and placated in the business world, while he was alive at least. I was expected to continue my schooling and do charity work, which I did. After Edgar passed away I realized people thought he was the one making all of the business decisions and I was signing whatever he told me to, that may have been true at one time but for a year before he died I had been making the decisions on my own. The Boards tried arguing at first but once I produced Edgar's power of attorney there wasn't a thing they could do but go along with what I wanted. I am the majority shareholder of both companies after all.
I have to admit, once I gained the respect of the business world I loved the kind of clout being a Swan and Sinclair afforded me. Part of me loved seeing the powerful men, who thought I was a trophy wife and good arm candy, have to implement my decisions and then admit they were good ideas when profits increased. The biggest part of me would have gladly given it all up to have Edgar back, even if only for a while, until Edward. Is that what this was about? Was I worried that people would start thinking that he was the one making the decisions? No, that didn't feel like it was the problem. So what was it?
The sun was fully up and I had warned Theresa and Lily I didn't want them to step foot in the kitchen until 10, I was trying to give everyone as much of a holiday as possible. I loved to cook even though I hardly ever got the chance to cook like this anymore. I pulled out the vegetables to chop for stuffing and salad as well as the cranberries. I hated cranberry sauce but Edward mentioned one of his favorite things about Thanksgiving was the homemade cranberry sauce. Only for him would I intentionally make something I didn't even like to look at, let alone eat.
Having Edward in Chicago with me was wonderful. He was being accepted and I think he was flourishing. He has mentioned that it is good to be out of Carlisle's shadow. He admitted it felt good to have the old guard of Seattle's men travel to him for a meeting rather than being called to Carlisle's office because they felt Carlisle need to approve all his decisions. I once thought that in time he would want to move back to Seattle but I wasn't so sure anymore. He was starting to have his own reasons for wanting to live in Chicago beside the fact that I was here.
So far we had done a good job of avoiding scrutiny and keeping the gossips away by me recusing myself from any board vote that concerned The Cullen Group. When we married would that perception change? Would people think Edward was calling the shots? Would he want to become involved with Swan or Sinclair? Would I want him too? Neither of those option were good ones, especially if he still worked at Cullen. He was CEO of The Cullen Group didn't that mean eventually he would have to move back to Seattle? They were all valid questions and while they needed answers and were adding to my anxiety they weren't the original reason I freaked but I thought I now knew what was. What expectations would there be of me? Who exactly would I be as Mrs. Edward Cullen?
"No expectations, you would still be Bella, the woman I love more than anything just the way she is, right now. I must admit I would like it if your name became Isabella Swan Sinclair Cullen or just Bella Cullen."
"Jesus," I yelled, as I jumped and turned around brandishing my knife. Edward was standing there with his hands raised as if in surrender. "What are you doing?"
"Normally if a tiny woman was holding a knife out at me I wouldn't view it as a threat but I know you know how to kill me with your bare hands. I frightened you with a knife in your hands, you bet your ass I keep my distance and come in peace Bella." He was chuckling but I knew a part of him knew that if he was going to surprise me doing it at a distance was a good idea, especially with all the shit that had been happening lately.
"You almost gave me a heart attack Edward." I scolded as I set the knife down and tried to calm my heart down.
"Sorry," he mumbled as he gave me a hug from behind, "but given the treatment the celery is currently getting I thought it was a good idea to make my presence known."
I looked down, the celery was closer to being minced than chopped. Good thing it was going in the stuffing. "I meant to do that." I tried to say with sincerity. I ignored his snort letting me know I hadn't pulled it off.
"Keep telling yourself that sweetheart." He kissed my cheek and I felt his sigh more than heard it. "What are you thinking so hard about?"
"What makes you…"
"I am stopping you right there Bella. I have been watching you since you pulled out the cranberries and started mumbling about making something you won't eat. Which I truly appreciate, by the way. Talk to me Bella. If the thought of being my wife bothers you this much then…" He trailed off and moved to sit across the island from me.
"It doesn't Edward." He quirked an eyebrow at me and I stopped talking. I hadn't realized I was talking out loud. If his posture was anything to go on, he only heard the part where I was thinking about who I would be as his wife. Not good, I leaned over and took his hands in mine. I needed to be able to feel him as I spoke, to ensure he understood what I was going to try to explain.
"Edward, I love you and can't wait to be your wife."
"But?"
"No buts, when I look down the path I want my like to take there isn't one moment that doesn't include you. A wedding, kids, birthday's, holiday's, vacations, day to day life, you are in every single picture in my mind."
"Then why did you.." I squeezed his hand to stop him.
"Last night, as you were drifting off to sleep you said, 'love you, wife' and for some reason it kind of freaked me out. I tossed and turned until I decided to get up and start on the meal, hoping it would calm my mind."
"Did it?"
"Yes, in some ways. I realized that when you said it, you spoke as if we had been married for years. As if it was the most natural thing in the world to you. After making pies and bread I realized it wasn't because I was comparing you and Edgar as men. It also wasn't because I felt I was betraying Edgar or holding onto a piece of our marriage and I wasn't comparing what we would build against Edgar and me."
"Are you not ready to give up being Mrs. Sinclair? It seemed as if you were questioning being Mrs. Cullen."
"No Edward, that isn't it at all. I fear I am not going to explain this properly." I felt his thumb rub my hand and drew strength from it. "Questioning is definitely the wrong word, wondering may be a better fit. I spent the first 18 years of my life as Isabella Swan. I knew who she was, what was expected of her. Sure, she was lonely at times but she led a full, rich life and did many of the things most girls only dream of doing. For the next 6 years, I was Mrs. Edgar Sinclair. She was seen as a trophy wife, someone who did charity, stayed out of business, and made good arm candy. I resented that role but knew it was expected of me and played it well. The last four years as Isabella Marie Swan Sinclair have been the best. People finally see me, not my parents or my husband but me and I like the person they see."
"I like that person too Bella. I don't want you to change anything, I love you." He kissed my hands and I could hear the sincerity in his voice.
"I know that Edward, I love you too. However, who will people expect Mrs. Edward Cullen to be, especially on the West Coast?"
"Stop Bella, you have never done anything to make me think you care what those people think. You know I could care less what they think. Where is this coming from?"
"It's one thing to be your girlfriend Edward, but as your wife there would be certain expectations. You know this as well as I do. Given how Seattle is I admit to being slightly apprehensive about what being the wife of the Cullen heir entails." He laughed at me.
"The Cullen heir? Really Bella?"
"Shut up, you know what I mean."
"Okay, in a perfect world who do you see Mrs. Edward Cullen as?"
"Me, obviously but with you, until my morning freak out I hadn't thought any further than that. But, eventually you may want to move back to Seattle and you have your own company to run. Will people always question my integrity when we do projects together, will people think you are helping me run things at Swan or Sinclair or what about when…" He pulled my face to him and kissed me.
"Now that I have your attention, take a breath Bella. Damn but you have a lot going on in your mind today. Let me tell you how I would like Mrs. Edward Cullen to be. She should love me with all her heart, be nice to me but not put up with my shit, she should have long brown hair and warm brown eyes, and she should be able to kick my ass when needed."
"Be serious Edward, I am trying to tell my fears.."
"And I am trying to tell you not to worry about all that. I was nervous when I moved here, about how it would look and would other CEO's think I was using your connections."
"You never said anything. Why didn't you talk to me about it?"
"We weren't on the best of terms at the time Bella and in the end I decided it didn't matter what they thought. I want a life with you and having that life included moving to Chicago. I am a CEO, people could only avoid me for so long and I decided before moving I would tough it out. You're worth it Bella."
"But Edward, you know when we go to Seattle…"
"Isabella, listen closely because I mean what I say. I don't care about them or what they think. I don't want you to be Mrs. Edward Cullen, arm accessory. I want you to be Bella Cullen, my wife and partner. Yes, there will be times people only see Mrs. Edward Cullen, as there will be times people only see Mr. Isabella Swan but we get through those times together and fuck what people think. We will get through it all together Bella. I understand if you need to stay Swan-Sinclair in business, I do and it doesn't bother me. Let me call you Mrs. Cullen in bed and I am a happy man. Regardless of your last name, I will introduce you as my wife and that is what's important to me."
"Okay," I said and wiped my tears away. "I want that too. I guess we will have to figure the rest out as we go."
"We make a good team Bella, trust in that, in us."
"I do Edward, I love you."
"I love you too, wife." He said and wiggled his eyebrows, such a smart-ass.
"Out of my kitchen wise guy, I have a big meal to make and quite a bit to be thankful for."
"Me too baby, me too."
As Edward left to let me cook, I felt calmer and lighter. I do have a lot to be thankful for this year. Theresa and Lily entered the kitchen to help me finish dinner. This would be the first on many Thanksgivings I would celebrated with Edward, maybe next year we would be working on adding a little Cullen to the table.
EPOV
As I watched the beauty sleeping in my arms I couldn't believe it had only been a week since Thanksgiving. We were currently flying to San Diego for the Hope House opening, I was assured my mother would be playing nice this trip. Bella didn't seem to be nervous but I was, I prayed my mother could keep herself under control.
Thanksgiving at the Manor was nice but I missed my family. I did not want to be missing them at Christmas but Bella was my family now also, I refused to be without her. Bella shifted against me and I felt her relax again. My mind traveled back to the conversation we had in the kitchen Thanksgiving morning.
When I rolled over and she wasn't there I stared to panic someone had gotten to her.
As my brain woke up I recognized the impossibility of that happening in this house and went in search of her. I watched her in the kitchen for several minutes before making my presence known. Her mumbling was starting to worry me, it sounded almost as if she was trying to talk herself out of marrying me. I was seconds away from going back to bed when I heard her ask what it would be like to be Mrs. Edward Cullen. That alerted me to the fact that it wasn't me or marrying me that had her nervous, it was what would come after that is on her mind, that was a dilemma I could work at solving.
As we talked I understood Bella's point and I hope she understood mine. I know what people's expectations will be, fuck them and their expectations. While I have never purposely lived my life by someone else's rules, to a degree I have let what people thought of me and my family influence it. She didn't spell it out but I'm positive it isn't Chicago or the business world in general she is worried about. Chicago loves her and would see our marriage as me being the one to marry up and the business world would have questions regardless of whom she married. No, Seattle was the issue, I'm sure of that fact and she wasn't concerned about herself either.
I meant it when I told her I didn't care what the people in Seattle thought. In reality I thought they could use a good shake up and Bella may be just the person to do the shaking. My family's old money reputation would stand up to whatever they wanted to say and personally I would love to throw it in the faces on all those tramps that Bella is 10 times the woman they will ever be. I needed her to be happy more than she needed me. Maybe I should be Mr. Swan, that would shake them up.
"What are you smiling about?" Bella asked. I hadn't realized she was awake.
"Nothing."
"Really Edward." She looked at me skeptically. "It was an almost devious smile and you can't stop grinning now."
"That's my story and I'm sticking to it."
"Keep your secrets then." She said and pinched me. "I have secrets too you know." She sniffed and turned her head trying to act like she could care less.
"I am going to enjoy getting all those secrets out of you at the hotel later." I told her as I bit down on her neck. She giggled and went to say something but the flight attendant came back to let us know we were getting ready to land in San Diego.
We were staying at the US Grant Hotel in the bi-level Presidential Suite. Bella always stayed here when she came to San Diego, she loved the Gaslamp Quarter. We had flown in early and I wasn't entirely sure when my parents along with Rose and Emmett would be flying in. Jasper wasn't making this trip, they were closing in on the person, or as we suspected people that were helping James embezzle money and someone needed to stay. This was Emmett's baby, he was not staying behind.
Check in at the hotel was, interesting. The woman behind the counter couldn't have been over 30. At first she seemed surprised to see one small woman surrounded by five men. When just Bella and I stepped up to the desk her focus zeroed in on me. If I have ever been that blatantly ogled before I'm glad I never noticed and when she licked her lips I moved behind Bella. I did not want to know what that woman was thinking. She sneered at Bella before asking me the name the reservation was in. Bella answered Sinclair and I have no idea what came up on the screen but the woman's eyes went wide and she kept her eyes and mouth to herself from then on. As she slid Bella the keys to the rooms she apologized.
"I'm very sorry Mrs. Sinclair, please enjoy your stay at the US Grant."
"You aren't sorry for your behavior, just sorry I am not someone you can ignore." The look on the woman's face was priceless.
Stephen and Anthony went up before us to make sure the room was secure for us. William and Grey rode in our elevator. We had secured the room beside our suite for them, it had two king size beds in it and a connecting door. I had been warned they would be setting up portable cameras in the hallway, on the balcony, and in the suite except for the master bed and bath rooms. Three of them would sleep at night while one watched the monitors. Extra men were assigned to the opening and would meet us there. William would always be with me and Anthony would be with Bella, Stephen would be watching everything. No one thought Aro would be stupid enough to try something at the opening, there would be too many cameras and people for him to pull it off, but all of us thought he might make an appearance.
Residents began moving in the week before, there would be a tour of the facility, speeches, a ribbon cutting ceremony and a big BBQ. The house was huge, close to twice the size of the one in Seattle, there was a playground, a garden and a gazebo. Emmett had out done himself on the house. We normally didn't take projects this far from Seattle or this small but he was challenged by the green measures Sinclair wanted, he was able to fulfill them all. The house had solar panels, all the appliances were water efficient, as were the fixtures, an outside water tank to preheat water before the hot water heater, gas appliances and a compost pile for the garden. It would be interesting to track this house's expenses against the Seattle one to gauge the savings.
The family arrived and Emmett was in his element explaining the green features to the city planners in attendance. He took pride in all his projects but for some reason this one seemed too really hit home with him.
"I have never seen Emmett this animated on a tour before." My father stated as he walked up to me and Bella.
"I think he is taking pride in rubbing it in to me." Bella said.
"Rubbing it in?" Mom questioned.
"Oh, yes and I'm sure it isn't going to stop here or today." Bella laughed catching Emmett's attention as he rounded the house and he waved at her while grinning widely. "Smart ass," she murmured.
"What could he have to rub in to you?" I was curious as hell.
"We may or may not have had several discussions about the water tank and compost pile." I gave her the look that said she hadn't given me nearly enough information. "Okay we argued over the fact that I didn't think it could be done safely and hidden for ascetic purposes. He was obviously able to do both and is going to love telling me 'I told you so'."
"Yes, he is," I told her and chuckled.
The tour was over, the ribbon cutting done, speeches given and now we were enjoying the BBQ. Things were going well and none of the tension from the fundraiser appeared to be present. A woman caught my eye, she had black hair and was wearing sunglasses but I was sure I knew her. She was taking pictures and if I didn't know better I would swear she was avoiding me. I was turning to William to tell him about her when I saw her profile closer to me, Tanya. What the fuck was she doing here? I pointed her out to William and scanned the crowd for Bella. Anthony touched her elbow to get her attention, that was the signal that something was off, security would move closer to her but we weren't required to leave yet. Bella never let on that anything was off as a couple and a single woman moved closer to her. Anthony didn't seem concerned about them so I assumed they were part of the extra security. We stayed for another 30 minutes before leaving, true to form Emmett teased Bella all the way back to the hotel.
We were in the same hotel but on different floors. I went with the others to their suite while Bella continued to our suite to find out what happened with Tanya. An hour later I returned to our suite to find a towel clad Bella on the bed rubbing lotion on her legs.
"Squeaky clean now sweetheart?" I ask as I shed my clothes.
"Mmm hmmm, is everyone okay with the hotel?" She ask. I took the lotion bottle out of her hand and removed the towel wrapped around her hair. "Edward, I'll get lotion in my hair if…" I kissed her to stop her talking as I picked her up and dropped the towel on the floor.
"No you won't my Bella, we are going to get dirty in the shower before getting clean."
"I'm already clean Edward." I opened the doors and stepped into the shower.
"You seemed to have missed a spot, right here." I told her as I moved my hands so they were still holding her but I could brush my fingers along her lower lips.
"I was positive I washed there already, but I could always help you get clean." She was reaching for the panel to start the shower, I used her distraction to slide a finger in her.
"So hot and wet, you are a dirty, dirty girl Isabella." I propped her against the wall and took a nipple in my mouth. "I like you dirty baby."
I slipped another finger inside and felt her arch off the wall. My cock was nestled against her ass. "I'm not the only dirty one." Her grip tightened on my neck as I felt one hand wrap around my cock. "Good thing I like dirty boys, the dirtier the better." She was stroking me to the rhythm of my fingers inside her. "I have just the thing for my dirty boy. It will make you feel like a whole new man." She lifted up and I slowly withdrew my fingers as she lowered onto my cock.
"Dammmnnn," I moaned out. "Best cleanser in the world Bella." With her legs wrapped tight around my waist, bracing herself with her elbows on my shoulders and tugging on my hair Bella slowly rode me in the shower.
"You feel so good Edward." She pulled my head back and kissed my Adams apple. "So hard, long, filling me."
"Fuck baby, faster…please faster." She wouldn't speed up, it was sweet torture. I felt her head drop against my chest.
"I love watching us Edward." I gently pulled one leg and then the other from me and over my arms, bracing my hands on the wall I spread her wide for me.
"Then watch me fuck you, hard." I slammed into her hard. She felt so tight every damn time.
"Yes Edward, harder."
"Touch yourself baby." The tension from seeing Tanya had me on edge before we began and watching my cock slid into her had my balls tightening. "Cum for me."
I could feel her fingers as I pounded into her, part of me worried I was hurting her but the larger part had me doubling my efforts. I could not get far enough inside her.
"Fuck, harder Edward harder," Bella shrieked, I felt her legs tighten on my arms and she was swinging her hips trying to meet each thrust. "Holy shit," she mumbled and her hands went to my hair. "Oh. My. Edddiieeeeee," she screamed and pushed into me so hard I stepped back before slamming her into the wall and with three short thrusts I came so hard my whole body tensed.
"Bella" I groaned out and she swiveled her hips riding out both our orgasms. I slumped against her and used the wall to support us both. "Fuck Bella, are you trying to kill me?' I panted out, both of us trying to catch our breath.
"That would be the way to go Eddie." She said as she bit my ear. I moved us to the shower bench and sat with her in my lap.
"I've decided I like how it sounds when you scream Eddie."
"So I should call you Eddie now?"
"Only when I am fucking you senseless."
"I love you Eddie, especially when you are fucking me senseless. You were right before I do need another shower." I chuckled as I helped her stand so we could shower and slide into bed.
Over breakfast the next morning Stephen confirmed it was Tanya at the opening. She didn't appear to be with anyone else but they followed her back to her hotel anyway. She was registered in her name and would be in town until Sunday. She wasn't booked on any flights out on Sunday. Thoughts and comments were flying around about what it could mean. Since she was last known to be with Felix we went with the assumption that she was spying for him or Aro. Aro had not been spotted and Stephen left two men on Tanya's hotel to track her movements. We would go on with our weekend as planned.
The others were going to explore the Gaslamp Quarter, Bella and I did that when we were her for the Shakespeare Festival so we decided to go to the Zoo. Watching Bella at the zoo was entertaining, even with the bodyguards in tow. She loved the Panda's and all the primates. I enjoyed the reptile house, it contained lots of dark corners in which I could grope her. We ate lunch at the Treehouse Café and it was nice to be out, where no one knew us and relax.
After lunch we walked thru one of the aviary's and looked at the big cats but it was the petting zoo that put ideas into my head. With no desire to walk amongst the animals or side step the landmines they left I stayed on one side of the fence while Bella went to feed the baby goats. I watched her for several minutes before she sat down and let the animals come to her. I noticed one little boy kept watching her, the way she talked to the animals or stroked them. He was captivated by her. After several minutes of moving closer he finally worked up the courage to talk to her. She smiled and laughed and talked to him, then several other children came over to join them. I wanted her to be enjoying that with our child.
I would ask to marry me shortly. I did not want to wait to be married, I know her first wedding was rushed but we could do a destination wedding or something. Would she want a big wedding, I was pretty sure the answer was no but maybe she would want it to be in a church. I could do that and still keep it small for her. We wouldn't be able to tell my family, they would just show up and bam, there would be a wedding. It was the only way for them not to try to take over things and I could not allow that to happen. I also wanted a child right away. Bella could have trouble conceiving but that didn't matter. We could adopt as we tried to get pregnant. The child didn't have to be my blood and didn't have to be a newborn, he or she would be ours, that was all that mattered to me. I don't think the child could be much older than five or six. Bella was 28, a child any older might make her uncomfortable. They didn't have to be American either. I wanted to start building our family now, would she? Watching her with the kids, playing with the animals I was positive she would. The only other time I have seen her this carefree was in the photo of her on the beach in the Seattle house. I wanted her this carefree all the time.
"What put that smile on your face?" Was I smiling, I hadn't noticed but I was insanely happy with the way my thoughts were going.
"You Bella. You looked happy playing with the children and animals."
"It was fun." She gave me a hug.
"I'm going to give you that Bella, as many children as you are willing to raise with me." Her smile faltered for a moment. "A child we adopt together is just as much ours and will be loved just as much as a child we make together." I made sure to keep eye contact with her so she knew I meant what I said. Her smile grew at my words.
"I don't know what I did to deserve you Edward but I love you and I'm never letting you go."
"Like I would let you." I told her, then I kissed her senseless.
On our way to meet my family for dinner we stopped and rode the Carousel. Bella picked her horse and begged me to get on the one next to her, not a chance. I stood beside her.
"I will gladly go horseback riding on your ranch sometime but I am not sitting on a fake horse Bella."
"You know how to ride?"
"No, but I'm fairly sure I can talk you into teaching me."
"Yes you can, I even promise not to make fun of you until you get the hang of it."
"Thank you kind lady for not making fun of the beginner." She laughed as the carousel stopped and we made our way to dinner.
We met up with them at The Prado in the House of Hospitality, Emmett was dying to try their 16oz rib eye steak. We were positive he could finish it but less sure if we wanted to witness the act. Dinner was nice, Emmett ate his steak, the conversation was flowing and I could see Bella relaxing. Granted we sat on the opposite end of the table from my mother but still, everyone was relaxed.
It was December Nights in the Gaslamp District and we spent the rest of the evening looking at the shops, listening to the singers and there was some ornament collection that the women all got excited about. Carlisle, Emmett and I enjoyed sampling the beer and food from different countries as we waited. Carlisle and I watched Emmett fascinated each time we tried something, wondering where he put all that food.
The ladies were approaching us and I was happy to see Bella still looked relaxed. My mother also appeared to be in a good mood, I was glad to see they could place nice for an hour. Heading back to the hotel we passed a group of carolers and they started singing Carol of the Bells, Bella's favorite Christmas song, I quickly pulled her into a fast waltz that had her laughing. As we danced people stopped to watch but we only had eyes for each other.
"I have never seen him this carefree in public." I heard Rosalie tell Emmett.
"I know, she is good for him and he loves her very much." Emmett responded.
"He's right Bella, you are very good for me and as much as he thinks I love you, I really love much more." I pulled her closer to me before she could answer but I took her sigh and head on my chest as acceptance of what I said.
As the song came to an end I slowed us down and people started to clap. I expected Bella to be embarrassed but her beaming smile let me know she had enjoyed it also. As we took a bow I caught the smile on Anthony's face as he watched Bella, I think it had been a while she had been this spontaneous also.
We made plans to meet tomorrow morning before we flew out. The look on everyone's faces when brunch was decided on was priceless, I hoped it went better than the last one.
"You and Esme appeared to get along fine tonight." I ask once we returned to the suite.
"I have told you before Edward, I have no problem with Esme and I don't think she has a problem with me per say. She has a problem with anyone that wants to take her little boy away from her. Don't get me wrong, she isn't happy with the drama that is around me now but she would have a problem with anyone, especially if they didn't live in Seattle. I try to take my cues from her and she seems more accepting this trip."
"More accepting, I guess I can see that." I murmured, more to myself than to her.
We had been getting ready for bed and Bella crawled across the bed towards me.
"Although I don't know how accepting she would be if she knew all the wicked things I am going to do to you tonight." She removed my loosened tie and threw it on the bed before pushing my shirt off and reaching for my pants. "Is Eddie allowed to play Mr. Cullen?" she asked as she started stroking my cock.
"Yes," I hissed out as her tongue gave him a hot lick.
"Good, he always finds the best hiding places."
We made love, fucked, and pleasured each other for hours until we finally fell back on the bed exhausted. As we drifted off to sleep I had to agree with Bella, Esme may not have approved of the wicked things we did to each other but I was thanking the yoga gods that we could do them at all.
The plan for Sunday was brunch, a stop by Hope House and on to Chicago. The plan lasted for exactly 10 minutes once we went downstairs. Stephen was waiting in the living room to give us the new plan.
"What has changed Stephen? It has to be Tanya."
"Yes. Friday we followed her to her hotel and she was alone, Max was left to watch her hotel and keep an eye on her when she went out. She followed Esme and Rosalie around yesterday. Max said she appeared to be looking for someone else and we assume it was Bella. She was outside The Prado as you ate dinner. She met Felix and another man after dinner and they followed you back to the hotel but not inside. Do either of you know this man?"
He showed us a picture of the three of them taken the night before. Tanya's hair was red this time, she was obviously trying not to be recognized. I shook my head no, I had no idea who he was. Bella picked the picture up and studied it.
"I've seen this man before but something is wrong in this picture." We both waited for her to continue, she was looking at the picture covering up different aspects of his face. "The hair color is wrong, I'm sure of that and I think the facial hair is new too. Do you still have facial shots of everyone that has entered any of the homes?" She asked looking at Stephen.
"Yes, we have them all."
"Definitely before Edgar was sick…in the spring or summer…try the chalet and Sinclair House first. I don't think I ever met him; Edgar always made me stay inside if he is who I am thinking of. When I first looked at the picture I had a flash of Edgar arguing with a man and there were mountains in the background." She laid the picture down. "That's the best I have to offer,"
"That's great Bella. We'll make the changes and see if he matches anyone."
"What else is there Stephen? I'm sure his presence affects something?"
"Brunch is fine but I want to return to Chicago right after, scrap the rest of the day and leave." Bella nodded. "You can't tell anyone until we are on the plane. Tanya watched Esme and Rosalie yesterday and we have no way of knowing what she heard. Once we are in the air you can call them and let them know about the change of plans."
"Ok, I have almost everything packed, just tell the hotel to bill my account for all charges." He nodded. "Brunch then the airport?"
"Fine with me." I answered and went to get dressed.
Brunch was downstairs at the Grant Grill, we arrived early so William, Anthony and the other guys could get their tables. The others would recognize William and Anthony but have no idea that two of the tables closest to us were security also. Stephen rotated who traveled with us so they didn't look familiar to anyone.
Everyone arrived and ordered. We ate, we laughed, we talked about the weekend, and Emmett spoke without thinking…again. Granted, the table had been talking about the holidays and different gatherings each was attending but really, Emmett of all people.
"Will you be joining Edward for the Cullen company party Bella?" You could have heard a pin drop at the table, no one moved. Emmett realized his mistake and Bella chuckled, breaking the tension.
"Not this year. Unfortunately it is the same weekend as the Swan and Sinclair parties, hopefully next year."
"Have you been able to finalize your travel plans for the holidays yet?" The question came from my mother but she was looking at her plate. I wasn't sure if the question was for me or Bella and with the look I was getting from Bella she didn't know either.
"Yes we have." Bella explained. "Edward will be in Seattle for the Cullen party next weekend, while I stay in Chicago for the Swan and Sinclair parties. We will be attending the party that Sinclair is throwing for the Big Brothers/ Big Sisters of Chicago on the 17th together. It's a breakfast with Santa and Mrs. Claus that is being held at Lincoln Park, the kids will have fun."
"Nashville is what I am looking forward to." I spoke up before my mother could say anything. "We leave on the 19th and will be there through the 22nd. Make-a-Wish and Swan managed to get some pretty big names to visit St. Jude's, Bella promised as long as I don't push the other kids out of the way I can meet them too." Everyone chuckled and the tension eased as I hoped it would.
"Are you coming to Seattle then?" I wasn't sure I wanted to answer her question, I knew she hadn't spoken to Bella yet.
"Yes, we'll fly in late on the 22nd and stay until the 28th if possible." Bella answered.
"Good, then you'll both be able to attend the open house on Christmas Eve?" It was hard to tell if it was meant as a question or a statement but it was delivered with a smile and Bella looked to me before she answered.
I was the one that needed to be appeased. Bella would have been fine if she had just told us when to be there. I knew she and Bella had spoken some when they were shopping and she apologized to Bella for her behavior at the last brunch. It wasn't as heart-warming as I would have liked but I would take what I could get at this point. I shrugged and nodded; if Bella was fine with the invitation so was I. The smile was sincere and the only thing that made it ok.
"We wouldn't dream of missing it Esme."
A/N: Thanks for reading and please review!
I have an entry in the Write Tune Contest - voting opens on the 31st . My entry is…I can't tell you it's anonymous.
http:/ www. fanfiction. net /u / 2718251/ as always remove the spaces